Organizations
Spirit Crew
St. John's Spirit crew are the ambassadors of school pride. They are a spirited group of students who bring energy and school spirit to campus. They greet students in the morning, lead pep rallies, and are joined by our eagle mascot, “Swoop.”
Student Council
Through leadership, teamwork, and responsibility, student council members give students a voice and model service, school involvement, and pride.
Beta Club
Beta Club is a student-centered honor society for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders focused on recognizing academic achievement, building leadership skills, fostering character, and encouraging community service. Students attend a team and individual competition and conference in Dallas annually.
Newspaper
Newspaper Club students work with staff and parent volunteers to produce issues of the Eagle Eye Observer every month. The newspaper is filled with articles about school activities, student interests, staff and teacher spotlights, and student opinion pieces. Student reporters (Newsies) brainstorm all the story ideas, write all the articles, and deliver all the newspapers! Newsies research and report the stories that matter most to St. John's students, and they always have their eyes and ears open for the next big scoop!
Tennis Team
St. John's tennis team is a group of dedicated student athletes who compete individually and as a team while representing our school with pride in Abilene.
Acolytes
Acolytes are fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who lead chapel worship. Acolytes begin their service as torch, crucifix, and banner bearers, and then progress on to serve as Scripture readers, prayer leaders, and finally, officiant. Lower School Chapel is completely student-led, so this is quite a responsibility! Students learn the Morning Prayer Service from the Book of Common Prayer. Acolytes meet at 7:30 Tuesday-Thursday on their assigned week. The students consider it a great privilege to lead their fellow students in worship!
Signature Events
Blessing of the Animals
During the first week of October, churches around the world hold “Blessing of the Animals” services to celebrate the life and ministry of Saint Francis of Assisi, who showed love to all of God’s creation. St. John’s invites students, families, and other members of the community to bring pets, stuffed animals, or photos of beloved animal companions to be blessed by members of the clergy from Heavenly Rest.
Halloween Carnival
St. John's Parent Council proudly hosts an annual Halloween carnival fundraiser that brings our community together for an evening of fun featuring games, festive food, face painting, bounce houses, and the dunking booth.
Valentine's Post Office
Sweet, simple, and for a great cause! St. John's Valentine's Post office, also known as VPO, raises funds for the fourth grade and their annual trip to Mo Ranch. VPO allows students to shop for Valentines for teachers, classmates, and friends--no extra store run required.
Leprechaun Laps
Leprechaun Laps is our annual St. Patrick’s Day themed jog-a-thon fundraiser organized and led by our fabulous Parent’s Council. This is a beloved tradition! Each year, students take laps while raising funds through generous pledges or flat donations, helping support our school’s programs and goals.
Leprechaun Laps is more than just a jog-a-thon!! It’s a fun, high-energy event filled with a little Irish spirit and a shared commitment to giving back and a lot of community support. Every lap helps make a difference. Our spirit team leads our annual pep rally and prizes are given throughout the event for best dressed, most spirited, most money raised, and laps run in our lower school. Every contribution helps us continue our mission and makes a meaningful impact.
Mission Sunday
This is a sweet service at the Church of the Heavenly Rest. The church acknowledges and celebrates the off-campus missions of Heavenly Rest: Thrift House, Breakfast on Beech Street, Bowie Angels, and St. John’s Episcopal School.
Coming Home
Each year, graduating seniors are welcomed back to St. John's for a special Coming Home service. This meaningful tradition brings the community together to wish our seniors well, offer blessings for their next chapter, and celebrate the lasting connection they share with St. John's.